Russia's Putin claims no 'dark chapters' with Syria as talks signal new era in Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Moscow, underscoring what he called the absence of any “dark chapters” in decades of bilateral ties between Russia and Syria. Citing diplomatic relations dating back to 1944, Putin highlighted growing cooperation under “new realities,” with plans to expand collaboration across industry, construction, medicine, sports, and humanitarian sectors. The Russian leader also congratulated Sharaa on progress toward restoring Syria’s territorial integrity, signalling Moscow’s continued political and economic backing as Damascus focuses on reconstruction and post-conflict recovery.